There are only a couple weeks left until the New Year, which means it’s time to make those resolutions! Take this opportunity to either create new goals or re-evaluate your existing ones. Need help? You’re in luck! We’ve created a guide on how to create your fitness resolutions so you can commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Create the goal
Use the S.M.A.R.T. framework when setting goals. What does this mean? Your goal should be:
- Specific. For example, if you want to lose or gain weight, how much do you want to lose or gain and at what time interval?
- Measurable. Similar to above, make sure it can be measured when tracking progress.
- Achievable. It’s good to dream big, but sometimes there are goals you can’t realistically reach, at least in a certain time frame, leaving you frustrated. For example, having a goal to lose 100 pounds in a month is unhealthy and unsafe. A more realistic goal, depending on your fitness level and experience, could be to lose 100 pounds in a year or so. Another example is having a goal to go to the gym for 1 hour almost every day, when you know deep down you won’t. It’s not about completely removing your big goal, it’s about starting small and working your way up! First, try having a goal to go to the gym at least 1-3 times a week, and once you get the hang of it, you can revise your goal!
- Relevant. Is this goal truly something that matters to you? When you think of being fit, and think “I guess it would be nice” rather than “I really want to be fit,” then it could affect your motivation and discipline later down in the timeline.
- Time-bound. Similar to achievable, the time in which you want to reach your goal should be realistic. Growing habits and getting into the routine of things takes times! Focus on smaller goals first and be easy on yourself. Once the habit starts to form, you can adjust your goals as needed.
Create the plan
Now that you know your goal, how do you plan on achieving it?
Either in a notebook, on a whiteboard, or whatever works, start creating your plan! Take a look at your calendar. Consider any other commitments you have, then find a time of day that works for you to dedicate to your goal. Next, plan the general and specific activities you will do, and include the goal for that session, week, or month.
If you need help creating the perfect plan and want to find a way to achieve your goal in the best way possible, our experts can help you! Contact your local club for more information.
Find inspiration
Do your research and get in the mindset! For example, if your starting goal is to attend a yoga class at least once a week, get your clothes ready! Wear them around the house. Check out your soon-to-be yoga instructors on Instagram, and see sneak peeks of what classes are like. Do whatever makes you feel excited to start your goal!
Pick your starting date
Your new years resolution doesn’t have to start right on January 1 and be successful by the end of the month. It’s for the new YEAR! Don’t try to ineffectively speed up the process, or be hard on yourself if you’re not halfway to your goal by February. Give yourself some time to get used to it first.
Ideas
Everyone has different goals and fitness levels, so make sure you create goals based on your own realistic needs and wants! With that said, we’ve still included some ideas that can inspire your own. Make sure to turn them into S.M.A.R.T. goals!
- Work out earlier in the morning
- Make or bring a friend at the gym to create a buddy system
- Hold a plank for (#) seconds
- Drink (#)L more water everyday
- Train for a (#)k marathon
- Try a fitness class you’ve never tried before
- Visit the gym often
- Start a training journal
- Lose/gain (#)lbs.
- Start working with a personal trainer
- Do more cardio
- And more!
Need a kickstart? Check out these 4 Tips for Starting Your Fitness Journey | Womens Fitness Club (womensfitnessclubs.com).
Still having trouble with creating your fitness-focused new year’s resolutions? Our experts can help. Contact your local club for more information.
